With annual growth expected to average 7%, the payments industry is expected to be a $2-trillion-dollar industry by 2020.

As a result of this inevitable shift in the industry, IBM has officially announced its Blockchain World Wire (BWW) banking payments network has been brought out of beta testing.

Internet of Business editor Chris Middleton, provides an in-depth analysis into how IBM uses stellar blockchain to clear and settle international payments between banks with a mutually agreed digital currency in “near real-time”.

Read the article to find out more about IBM’s aim to change the payments landscape.

The banking industry is experiencing a disruption once thought unprecedented and at an alarming rate. Traditional financial institutions have begun to understand that a collaboration with fintech firms is the best option when considering long-term industry growth, not to mention the demand for such a partnership is increasing amongst customers.

This article discusses the approaching opportunities in banking and finance that will shape the industry’s future, with online and internet banking becoming more and more of a necessity (rather than luxury) to customers’ everyday lives.

#3: What the disruptive rise of fintech startups means for your business

Payments are the foundation of any service provided in the financial industry. In this modern day, every industry shift is now motivated by technology and having reliable, secure and flexible methods of payment is crucial for businesses and their customers.

The article is the first in a three-part series by IT Pro’s David Howell that examines how the payments industry is evolving in the face of new demand. It also dives into how the financial services industry is being reshaped by expanding customer expectations and how big tech firms such as Google, Apple, Facebook and Amazon are driving this change.

With the 29th March deadline inching ever closer, Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab recently discussed his plans for what the media has dubbed a ‘no deal’ Brexit, highlighting expected changes to credit card charges that could lead customers turning from away credit to fintech firms.

CEO and Founder of Open Vector, Carlos Figueredo suggests that a no deal Brexit could have serious consequences for fintech companies due to the uncertainty that it would bring with the lack of an official agreement.

Further experts and industry-leaders discuss passporting and what options are available to fintech organisations to ensure their supply chains aren’t affected negatively by Britain’s impending exit from the EU.

Read the article to get a close look into what finance and technology professionals are saying about Brexit’s impact on the industry.